Heat Pump performance
Two ratios are used to evaluate the performance of a heat pump.
The most common is the coefficient of performance (CoP). This simple calculation works out the amount of heat the pump generates compared to the amount of energy required to run it.
| CoP = | Heat output of system (useful heat) |
| Electrical input from compressor and circulating pumps |
A more complex ratio is the seasonal performance factor (SPF). This refers to the performance over an entire season and includes the efficiency of the entire heating system i.e.; pump, radiators, underfloor heating and auxiliary heaters, whichever is the case.
The CoP and SPF ratings can be optimised by choosing an energy efficient pump and combining it with a heating system that requires low water temperatures, such as underfloor heating.
The table below shows examples of ratings with a heat pump in different heating systems. This is for guidance purposes only and will differ with each specific installation.
| Heating System | CoP |
|---|---|
| Oversized radiators | 3 |
| Underlfoor heating | 4 - 5 |
